Genesis 41: Lessons Regarding the End Times from Joseph’s Ascension Over All of Egypt

Introduction: Chapter 41 tells one of the most uplifting and memorable accounts in the entire Book of Genesis. The noble and innocent man who was sold into slavery, framed for attempted rape, unjustly incarcerated and forgotten in prison would finally be redeemed and elevated to be the second most powerful person in Egypt. It is the story of God’s redemption, His sovereignty over all, and proof of His promise through Paul that He: “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Ro. 8:28).

This story should be read on three levels. First, it should be read as a historic account of how God brought the Jews to Egypt. Second, Joseph’s selfless faith should be viewed as a role model for believers to emulate. Third, this account mirrors many details in the book of Daniel. This provides confirmation that the events in this chapter should also be examined within the context of the end times. The parallel details and Joseph’s ascension provide seven revelations regarding the end times, Jesus’ ascension over all the nations, and His peaceful Millennial Reign.

First, after 13 years of molding Joseph through suffering and two years after God placed Joseph and the cupbearer together, God placed a dream in Pharaoh that only Joseph could interpret. This would set in motion the events leading to his redemption and ascension over Egypt. These events show that God is sovereign and in control. If you are suffering now, He may be molding you. He prepared a plan for your redemption and ascension through Jesus before time began. Second, when brought before Pharaoh, Joseph first gave praise for God. He then interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams to warn of the need to prepare for a coming seven-year tribulation in Egypt. From this, God also wants you to praise Him and warn others of the coming seven-year tribulation. Third, Joseph offered a way for the people of his world to be saved from the coming catastrophe. In this way, he foreshadowed Jesus. Jesus also came to offer a way to save all the peoples of the world who believe from the coming catastrophe. Fourth, filled with God’s Spirit, Joseph ascended as the second most powerful person in Pharaoh’s kingdom. He then married a gentile wife. Like Joseph, Jesus ascended to become the second most powerful person in God the Father’s Kingdom in heaven. Like Joseph, Jesus will take a bride in heaven (the Church) that will be filled with gentiles. Fifth, Joseph told Pharaoh to prepare for the coming plague by storing treasures of grain. Jesus tells you to prepare by storing up treasures in heaven. Sixth, God blessed Joseph with two sons. Their names symbolized Joseph’s ability to forget the pain of his past and God’s ability to make him fruitful. God also promises that both you and He will forget the pain of your sins in heaven. He also promises to make you fruitful through the power of the Holy Spirit. Finally, when disaster came, all the world of Joseph’s time came and bowed to him. Joseph offered salvation to all with what he had to offer. Like Joseph, all will eventually bow to Jesus and confess Him as Lord. While Joseph could only offer temporary salvation to his regional world, Jesus offers eternal salvation to all across the world who believe in Him in faith.

1. God is Faithful, Sovereign and Will Redeem His People Through Jesus. Gen. 41:1-13.

Hans Holbein the Younger 1497/8 – 1543 (Pharaoh's Dream)1

2. God’s Warning To Prepare For the Coming Great Tribulation. Gen. 41:14-24.

Lucas van Leyden 1494 – 1533 (Joseph before Pharaoh)2

3. Jesus Has Offered a Way to Save All From the Coming Great Tribulation. Gen. 41:25-36.

4. Christ Has Ascended Over All Creation and Will Marry His Church. Gen. 41:37-45.

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo 1696 – 1770 (Pharaoh gives his ring to Joseph)3

5. Through Faith in Jesus, Store Up Treasures in Heaven. Gen. 41:46-49.

6. God’s Promise to Forget Your Sins and Grant You the Fruit of the Spirit. Gen. 41:50-52.

7. Jesus Comes to Offer Salvation to the World. Gen. 41:53-57.